Dreams Do Come True, City Diary - Communities - Kolkata Mirror,Kolkata Mirror

By Lesley D Biswas

Posted On Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 07:42:34 PM

Uttam Das is a talented young striker who emulates Baichung Bhutia and dreams of becoming a match-winner like his mentor, but the only obstacle is his under-privileged status. For football prodigies like Das, who come from marginalised backgrounds, this ambition would die a starry-eyed dream had it not been for Salt Lake Cultural Society (SLCS) and coach Sumon Dasgupta whose love for the game ensures that many a talented youngster gets both training and a platform from where they can springboard to success.

A practice session in progress

Dasgupta started out with a handful of young boys some 32 years ago. Today, as part of SLCS, over 45 boys receive training from him. Kamal Guha and Samir Das assist him in his endeavour. Three days a week the boys assemble at CA park in Salt Lake where they undergo a practice session and rigorous training to prepare them with the technical aspects and skills required to play at the highest competitive level.

“To ensure these youngsters get maximum exposure we take part in various tournaments at the under-16 level. Competing with other teams boosts our confidence and a win is a huge motivation,” says Guha. The team also grabs any opportunity that comes their way to compete in other parts of the state. Recently SLCS won the Kanak Lata Saha Smrita, Morning Soccer Tournament held at Siliguri.

Besides firing up their enthusiasm of playing for big teams, once they are absorbed into teams like Railways and Port Trust, SLCS gives them an added opportunity for employment.

Over 45 boys receive training

Amongst those who have got the opportunity to play in league teams are Tarak Ray who represented Mohammedan Sporting Club last year; Kalyan Chudhury who played at the national level; Pulak Rudro and Santanu Basel who played for Port Trust and Goutam Rai Choudhury and Krishnendu Das who were absorbed by the Railways, with the latter even getting a job in the Railways.

Tarak Ray still comes to practise at CA Park. He says, “For these youngsters this is a lifetime opportunity and a platform that gives them a chance to make it big.”

Sumon Dasgupta with his boys

Citing Ray’s example, Samir Das who has handpicked many of the boys says, “His presence at such practice sessions motivates and inspires the boys.”

Although Dasgupta has suffered a life-altering stroke, he never misses out on these practice sessions. “The motivation comes from these children,” says Dasgupta. “They are so talented; all that they lack is finance and support. We help out with their bus fare but are not able to provide any tiffin or kit for them.”

Since the society relies on funds from well-wishers, the boys have to fund their own personal football kit, which is tough. Charity dribbles in but there’s lots left to desire.

Despite these hardships there is a twinkle in Dasgupta’s eyes as he speaks of his boys’ achievements. Herein lies their true success.

kolkata.mirror@gmail.com